Desert Storm The Liberation of Al Wafra Oil Fields

Introduction

During the Gulf War in 1991, one of the most crucial battles took place at the Al Wafra oil fields located in the Kuwaiti desert. The Iraqi army had invaded Kuwait and begun to loot its resources, including the Al Wafra oil fields, which were a significant source of Kuwaits wealth. The United States and its allies intervened to protect the region and liberate Kuwait. This article will discuss the events that unfolded during the liberation of the Al Wafra oil fields.

The Battle for Al Wafra

On February 24, 1991, the United States launched its ground offensive against the Iraqi army, which had occupied Kuwait. The Iraqi army had fortified their positions around the Al Wafra oil fields. The U.S. Armys VII Corps was tasked with capturing the oil fields and securing them from the Iraqi army. The 1st Infantry Division was the unit chosen to lead the attack on the Al Wafra oil fields.

The battle for the Al Wafra oil fields was fierce and intense. The Iraqi army had dug trenches and bunkers around the oil fields, making it difficult for the U.S. troops to advance. The 1st Infantry Division encountered heavy resistance from the Iraqi army, who were using machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and artillery to defend their positions.

Despite the heavy resistance, the U.S. troops managed to break through the Iraqi defenses and capture the Al Wafra oil fields. The battle lasted for three days, and the U.S. Army suffered numerous casualties, but they emerged victorious. The liberation of the Al Wafra oil fields was a significant turning point in the Gulf War, as it deprived the Iraqi army of a significant source of income and weakened their grip on Kuwait.

The Aftermath

The liberation of the Al Wafra oil fields was a decisive victory for the United States and its allies. The capture of the oil fields allowed the U.S. Army to control a significant source of Kuwaits wealth and prevented the Iraqi army from profiting from the stolen resources. The defeat at the Al Wafra oil fields weakened the Iraqi armys morale and made it clear that the United States and its allies would not tolerate their aggression.

The Gulf War ended with the signing of the ceasefire agreement on February 28, 1991. The liberation of the Al Wafra oil fields was one of the most significant accomplishments of the war, as it helped to restore Kuwaits sovereignty and secure its resources. The United States and its allies demonstrated their commitment to protecting their allies and preserving peace in the region.

Conclusion

The Al Wafra oil fields were a critical battleground during the Gulf War, and the liberation of these fields played a vital role in defeating the Iraqi army. Despite the heavy resistance from the Iraqi army, the U.S. troops managed to capture the oil fields and secure them from the enemy. The liberation of the Al Wafra oil fields demonstrated the United States and its allies commitment to preserving peace and protecting their allies. It was a significant turning point in the Gulf War and helped to restore Kuwaits sovereignty and secure its resources.